Gift Advances STEM Education and Inspires the Next Generation of Maritime Engineers
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – March 3, 2026 – Pacific Battleship Center (PBC), the 501(c)3 non-profit that owns and operates Battleship IOWA, the National Museum of the Surface Navy, and Los Angeles Fleet Week, announced a $500,000 gift from the Timken Foundation to support the development of a new Engineering Career Track within Battleship IOWA’s National Museum of the Surface Navy experience.
The Engineering Career Track will enhance the learning experience for both tour guests and students participating in onboard programs. Through immersive, interactive, and show-controlled environments, the track will connect visitors to the core engineering functions aboard Battleship IOWA and help them gain a clearer understanding of the concepts and systems that powered the Navy in the past, and how those same principles continue to be used today.
By making these connections, the Engineering Career Track is intended to spark interest in engineering careers among young visitors and support PBC’s broader efforts to help develop the next generation of America’s maritime workforce.
The Timken Foundation’s connection to Battleship IOWA is rooted in the broader history of naval engineering and national defense. The Timken Company has long been a major supplier of bearings for the U.S. Navy, components that are critical to ship propulsion and performance. Today, Timken builds the majority of reduction gears used in modern naval shipbuilding, continuing a legacy of engineering innovation that supports the readiness of the nation’s surface fleet. While the Timken Foundation operates separately from the Timken Company, it shares the same foundational roots and commitment to engineering, education, and workforce development. Since 2019, the Timken Foundation has supported Pacific Battleship Center with approximately $100,000 for various programs and initiatives prior to this gift.
“The Timken Foundation has consistently demonstrated support for education in the communities it serves. The engineering career track project developed at the Pacific Battleship Center is consistent with that commitment and also allows the foundation to honor those who served aboard the USS Iowa during the ship’s commission.” Robert Timken, President of the Timken Foundation.
The total cost to design and build the Engineering Career Track is approximately $1.4 million. The Timken Foundation’s $500,000 gift provides the critical lead funding needed to move this project forward. Pacific Battleship Center is actively seeking additional partners to complete this initiative and deliver the full experience for students and visitors. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
For more information about Battleship IOWA, the National Museum of the Surface Navy, or educational programming aboard the ship, please visit https://pacificbattleship.com
About Pacific Battleship Center
Located in the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) is an award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2008 to ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity. Dedicated to linking Americans with their maritime history, PBC welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually to Battleship IOWA and supports its mission through sponsorships, donations, and a committed crew of volunteers who donate over 60,000 hours each year. Pacific Battleship Center’s family of brands includes Battleship IOWA, National Museum of the Surface Navy, Freedom of the Seas, LA Fleet Week, Camp Battleship, and Vicky’s Doghouse.
